Does Lamaze work?

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By Julie Johsnon; LCCE, IBCLC, C.D.

I have taught Lamaze classes for many years. I am also certified in Hypnobirthing, a ?pain-free? childbirth method and have attended hundreds of births. I used to look down upon all the other childbirth methods, knowing that the secrets of a great birth experience lies in either one of these methods. I have found that all childbirth method works. The one concept that makes that statement true is the student. When a student faithful studies any subject they become an expert. Then they will remember what they have been taught from the first to the last contraction. If they practiced that one component that sets apart one method from another, they have one valuable tool to help them handle the discomforts of labor. For example, if they breathed all the way through the labor with Lamaze, or practiced relaxation religiously with Hypnobirthing, than the method worked. In addition, if a laboring woman believes in her own power to go through childbirth, any childbirth method works.

One of the obstacles in labor is fear. Fear of not knowing how things are going to go during labor is scary. Some of my former Lamaze students are surprised how bad the pain gets, therefore opting for the epidural. In my own experience with Hypnobirthing, I started to doubt by my ability to go through an unmedicated labor because it was not ?pain-free.? Does this mean that these methods didn?t work? When the contractions intensify the laboring woman gets more afraid and the reaction to the contractions usually lead to pain medications. When the woman doesn?t give in to the fear and reacts to the ?pain? in labor as normal, natural and healthy, then the ?pain? usually stays in a tolerable state. The contractions are still strong, intense and maybe even awesome, however, the woman without fear takes it on as a challenge. Even though I felt my contractions the contractions were never as intense as it was when I was dilated to 3-4 centimeters with the last two labors. When I allowed the pain to creep in during my last labor, I immediately put a stop to it, by closing my eyes, using relaxation techniques and prayer.

Relaxation techniques should be the emphasis in any method. Relaxation techniques take away the fear. Fear causes tension, therefore, pain. The student has to take on the added responsibility and practice slowing their breathing, listen to a relaxing music and or relaxation exercises on a CD every day. This will help prepare them for an easier, faster and a more comfortable labor, guaranteed. What ever method you have chosen to study, relaxation is vital.